The Rajbari-Faridpur railway service has just been commissioned again after a lapse of long 18 years. On the other hand, Rupsha-Bagerhat railway service, closed at the same time, is yet to be reopened.
Rail link between Rupsha and Bagerhat was established in 1918. Narrow gauge tracks were used for the rail line. The narrow gauge was later converted into broad gauge during the last end of the Sixties while metre gauge railway system was converted into broad gauge lines during the past decade or so. The movement of people between Bagerhat and Khulna has increased manifold. The only road connecting the two districts can not cope with this demand. Hence, the need for reopening the rail link between Khulna and Bagerhat is being felt much.
Moreover, of the three UNESCO world heritage sites in Bangladesh, two are located in Bagerhat-- the Sundarbans and the Shatgambuj Mosque. The Rupsha-Bagerhat railway services should, therefore, be reopened to meet the greater needs of the people of the southern districts.
Furthermore, this railway service may extend up to Pirojpur and Barisal. Reopening of the abandoned Rupsa-Bagerhat rail line will boost trade and commerce in the region, as well as contribute to industrial development of the southern region of the country. The issue thus deserves special consideration of the government.
Mahmud Ali
New Eskaton Road, Dhaka
Rupsha-Bagerhat railway services
FE Team | Published: September 23, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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